Cr Tiley says he couldn't think of a more resilient and caring community than the people of the Armidale region to stay the course and adhere to the current lockdown following positive COVID-19 cases in the city.

"As our region settles in after a third day of a snap week-long lockdown, it is clear from all reports of empty streets, minimal movement and nearly 1200 tests conducted yesterday that everyone is taking this extremely seriously," Cr Tiley said in a statement sent out by the council late on Monday.

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"It is disappointing but not surprising that COVID has reached our region.

"Over the last few years we have dealt with drought, bushfires and COVID and I am in no doubt that if we stick together, do the right thing and look-out for each other we will get past this current outbreak of community transmission."

Cr Tiley, who has returned to his home in Maclean, has not been in Armidale for about two weeks.

"I won't be going back I can tell you," he told The Armidale Express on the weekend.

"It'd be foolish to do that."

Cr Tiley revealed to the Express last month that he would step down as mayor before the election in December. He has already nominated to run for the Clarence Valley Council.

His statement about Armidale came as there are now three confirmed cases of community transmission, all from the same household.

Exposure sites, which have since been given the all clear, included Armidale Secondary College and the Xplorer service from Broadmeadow to Armidale on 29 July.

"Today the Premier has also announced that our neighbours in Tamworth will be in lockdown from 5pm this evening," Cr Tiley said. "There is no confirmed case of community transmission in Tamworth however a woman from Newcastle with COVID had visited a number of locations."

The Public Health Order for the Armidale local government area will remain in place until Sunday.

"It is extremely important to not be complacent," Cr Tiley said.

"Get tested if you have even the mildest of symptoms and always act as if COVID is present. Be considerate and kind to each other. Reach out to your friends and family to ask if they are OK. Doing the simple things will make a big difference."

Council has enacted its Business Continuity Plan and all non-essential council facilities have been temporarily closed. All hands will still be on deck behind the scenes to ensure essential services are delivered as normal.

The community is reminded of council's wide range of online services available via the Self Service tab on our website. Its Customer Service team will also be available via 1300 136 833 to answer any queries you may have about council's services.

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